Halloween safety tips for trick-or-treaters

After suffering postponements and cancellations due to the nor'easter of 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012, kids throughout Bergen County will finally be able to enjoy trick-or-treating on Halloween this year.

While many parents want to make sure their children have fun this holiday, it is also important to make sure we are keeping our kids safe this October 31. While we may not be facing downed live wires, power outages or fallen trees, there still exist conditions that could put our kids' safety at risk.

The Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers some great tips for trick-or-treaters, which you can find below and on the department's website.

S - Swords, knives and similar costume accessories should be short, soft and flexible.
A - Avoid trick-or-treating alone. Walk in groups or with a trusted adult.
F - Fasten reflective tape to costumes and bags to help drivers see you.
E - Examine all treats for choking hazards and tampering before eating them.
H - Hold a flashlight while trick-or-treating to help you and others see. Always walk - don't run.
A - Always test make-up in a small area first. Remove it before bedtime.
L - Look both ways before crossing the street. Use crosswalks wherever possible.
L - Lower your risk for eye injury by not wearing decorative contact lenses.
O - Only walk on sidewalks when possible, or on the far edge of the road facing traffic.
W - Wear well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls.
E -  Eat only factory-wrapped treats. Don't eat homemade treats from strangers.
E - Enter homes only if you're with a trusted adult. Only visit well-lit homes.
N - Never walk near lit candles or luminaries. Be sure to wear flame-resistant costumes.

More safety tips can also be found at Safe Kids Worldwide.